Sustainable Energy Solutions for Facility Managers with Behind-the-Meter Wind Projects

Commercial applications of single or a few wind turbines with rated power capacity in the range of 50KW to 2,500KW are the focus of this blog. Such turbines can be cost effective for a wide range of applications: Factories; warehouses; office parks; housing communities; schools/colleges; hospitals; municipal facilities like jails; water treatment facilities; and others. These projects are referred to as "Behind the Meter" projects.

A white paper is available that briefly describes: How such projects can fit into your energy mix; how much energy can be produced; how is variability of wind energy managed; what are the incentives; what is the cost of wind energy; what is the ideal location of a wind project; and what to avoid.

It concludes that such projects can deliver electricity at stable costs (because raw material is free) and under the right wind conditions such projects may deliver electricity at a cost that is below retail.

Article written by Pramod Jain

Visit Wind Energy Consulting and Contracting Inc.

Common mistakes to avoid in your small wind project

A large fraction of small wind projects turn out to be subpar financial investments because of simple mistakes made in the initial phases of project development. This entry focuses on those common mistakes and provides simple steps that can be taken to ensure a more viable project from the performance and financial perspectives. For more details see the associated whitepaper.

Small turbines, with power ratings of less than 100KW, are being installed at a rapid pace. These wind projects are being used to power small businesses, buildings, malls, houses and a variety of other applications. Unlike the multi-million dollar large scale projects that undergo rigorous wind resource, siting, and financial assessments, small wind projects undergo significantly less analysis and preparation. The end result generally reflects the lack of preparation, as turbines produce less energy than advertised.

In order to attain on par financial performance of small wind projects the following due diligence must be performed:

• Ensure that the energy production used in the calculation is based on your local wind conditions and based on independently tested or certified power curve.
  
• Ensure that the wind speeds used in the calculations have been verified through onsite measurement or some other means.
  
• A location has been chosen that will receive unobstructed wind and minimum turbulence from obstacles and local vegetation.
  
• Ensure that the turbine is well built and is suitable for your environment and,
  
• Check if the turbine is certified; if it is not, obtain test results
  

If the proper due diligence is not performed you are likely to be negatively surprised by the results.

Article written by Dr. Pramod Jain

Email Pramod at pramod@frombeginningtowind.com

Visit Wind Energy Consulting and Contracting Inc.